DRAFT FOR APPROVAL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2013 Media Contact: Tanya Wiley Phone: 336-345-2628 / 336-794-4025 E-Mail: [email protected] Marketing & PR Director: Crystal Laverde Phone: 336-682-1780 / 336-794-4025 E-Mail: [email protected] PGA Champion Jim Thorpe to Co-Chair 9 th Annual Golf Classic in Greensboro, NC International Civil Rights Center & Museum Raises Awareness (Winston-Salem, NC) – Golfing legend Jim Thorpe will serve as one of the honorary Co-Chairs and is th scheduled to play in the International Civil Rights Center & Museum’s 9 Annual George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial Golf Classic on Saturday, June 15 th . The purpose of this tournament is to help raise awareness about the museum and their mission. In the months to come, PGA Champion golfer, icon, living legend and humanitarian, Jim L. Thorpe will donate some of his historical golfing mementos to display at the museum. Thorpe opened many doors for the likes of Tiger Woods and other black golfers, and he continues to inspire young golfers to pursue their dreams. Thorpe is perhaps one of the most enduring PGA Tour professionals. A native of Roxboro, North Carolina, the ninth of twelve children and the son of a golf course greenskeeper and fairway superintendent, Thorpe attended Morgan State University before turning pro in 1972. In 1985, proving he deserved a spot among the golfing legends, Thorpe won the Greater Milwaukee Open by beating Jack Nicklaus by three strokes. He has won 13 times on the Champions Tour and 3 times on the PGA Tour. On the Champions Tour, he finished in the top ten 99 times and 36 times on the PGA Tour. Thorpe is a pioneer for the game of golf, and is helping make golf accessible to all people. One of Thorpe’s greater passions is to inspire, educate and train inner city youth. He has raised money for and assisted organizations like First Tee, Boys and Girls Club, Birdies 4Braves, UNCF, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Golf4Youth, Special Olympics, Teen Challenge, The Urban League, David Maus Foundation, Cigar Aficionado Honduran Hurricane Relief Fund, Inner City Youth Golf Program and the Native American Golf Classic, to name a few. He mentors youth who participate in International golf programs in the US. In January of 2012, Thorpe was named Ambassador to the Tobago Junior Golf Academy. He is currently on the PGA Champions Senior Tour and resides in Lake Mary, Florida. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum will pay homage to Thorpe’s humble beginnings, golfing career, and the humanitarian he is through a planned display. -Continued- Continued…. Page 1 of 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Continued 2… “It is an honor and a privilege to be able to give back to a community that has supported me for so many years,” said Thorpe. “The International Civil Rights Center and Museum and its founders represent that community. I am excited about the endless possibilities that exist for this educational center and complex, and I look forward to working with institutions and corporations throughout the community to continue to expand opportunities for youth and adults alike at the museum.” The International Civil Rights Center and Museum offers all a humble reminder of African American history, from turbulent beginnings to the rise of greatness from the likes of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., to the A&T students staging the Woolworth sit-ins. “Our goal for the tournament is not only to honor the civil and human rights achievements of Dr. George C. Simkins Jr., but to provide a unique social experience with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston, chairman and co-founder of the Museum. “Opportunities such as this ultimately improve race relations throughout our community.” The tournament is named after a local dentist, the late Dr. George C. Simkins, Jr., who was a member of the litigants known as the “Greensboro Six” who took a stand on a golf course in the battle for civil rights in the 1950’s. All proceeds from the tournament will support daily operations and programming for the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. This year’s event will be held at Bryan Park Golf Course, and is co-chaired by Jim Thorpe and Mayor Robbie Perkins (City of Greensboro). Former NFL player Keith Williams and other notable names and leaders will also be in attendance. A complete listing of events can be obtained by contacting Pamela Glass at (336) 274- 9199 ext. 235. # # # All media inquiries should be directed to Tanya Wiley at 336-345-2628 or Jackie Martinez at 336-813-2800. Page 2 of 2 .